Malayalis in Pune serve Onam sadya to support the flood-hit victims of Kerala

City Malayalis are working towards gathering hope and funds for fellow citizens affected by the floods in Kerala.

The three lakh plus Malayalis in Pune decided to let go of loud Onam celebration this year and participate in helping rehabilitate the victims of Kerala.(HT PHOTO)

Over the weekend, several Malayalis in Pune reached their devotional places to pray for the well-being, safety and health of their brothers and sisters who survived the Kerala deluge.

The three lakh plus Malayalis in Pune would generally organise events and Onam celebrations every year. However, this year, they chose to let go of every celebration and participate in helping rehabilitate their fellow beings in Kerala. George Abraham, general secretary of Poona Kerala Samaj, says, “As a community, we would come together and have a grand meal, people would decorate their houses, buy new clothes and ornaments. But, this year, we eliminated all of this. We only worked towards helping make lives of our brothers in Kerala better. We have collected around 5 lakh in cash and the phase one of sending items for families there is over.”

Abraham adds that this is not over yet. As the struggle has just begun.“Families will now move from the relief camps and this is when they need the maximum support and help. I urge people to continue their help and support in forms of cash, food items and materials.”

Sadya with a cause

Onam Sadya is considered one of the most auspicious and grand meals for the community. Keeping in mind its cultural importance, city restaurants laid out a spread for the same. However, they will be using this as an opportunity to extend support to victims and survivors of the Kerala deluge. Dravida’s Bistro, in Vimannagar, will be donating 25 per cent of its proceeds from the sadya towards rehabilitation. You can visit the restaurant from 12 pm to 4 pm and 7pm to 10:30 pm.

Another restaurant, Savya Rasa in Koregaon Park, will celebrate a 'Onam Sadya' serving delicacies, such as sambharam, parippu vada and aviyal, the traditional way on a banana leaf. They will also be contributing the money raised through this for Kerala relief. The meal is schedules on August 26, 12 pm to 3 pm and 7 pm to 11 pm.

Pavillion Mall on Senapati Bapat road has allowed a special section where Puneites can come and drop items, such as baby food, sanitary napkins, non-perishable packed foods, torches and batteries.